Trench Coats… everyone needs one, can’t live without one and it takes time to find the perfect one.   A timeless piece, that is beautiful, whether its camel or black, Burberry or Michael Kors.  I was lucky enough to find my match about a year ago, Michael Kors double-breasted Trench.

I did some reading on the origins of a trench (I know what you may be thinking…why?).  But I was very curious, as I am in most things, on how this coat began and I found it very interesting I hope you do too.

Thomas Burberry was the man that started it all; he is behind the global brand of Burberry. His invention of the waterproof gabardine cloth is what set his fame into motion.  The British War Office in 1900 commissioned Burberry to design an overcoat to be used during warfare.  Something needed to replace the heavily rubberized mackintoshes that were ineffective and heavy.  “Burberry designed a lightweight cotton raincoat that incorporated D-ring belt clasps, straps, and epaulettes.  It became the most suitable protection from the horrendous conditions of trench warfare; it is the origin of what we now refer to as the trench coat.”

Fun fact: Thomas Burberry’s invention of waterproof gabardine cloth has ensured that the form of apparel his company sold became bound to this name, so that the definition of Burberry in the Oxford English Dictionary reads “a distinguished type of raincoat.”

Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion, Vol. 1

So now back to finding a perfect one for you.  It’s important to purchase a coat that you will love, feel comfortable in and will last you for years to come because it can be an investment.  I recommend looking online on specific sites to see if they have some of the styles that you like and if they do go to the store and try it on in person.  It important that you get a chance to see how it is going to look on you before you make the commitment.  Ordering it online doesn’t give you the conformation you need when you are about to make this very important decision.

Some of the stores that I recommend looking into are:

Banana Republic, their style of coats are very classic you can look into these if you are searching for something simple and versatile.

Express Fashion, you can have a lot of fun with these coats. They are stylish and unique.

Ann Taylor, you definitely need to go with Ann Taylor if you are looking for something classy and professional. They are my favorite when it comes time to purchase clothes for the office.

Macys, a great place to search for a coat because they have so many styles, brands and sizes.  When you are looking for a one stop shop this would be your best bet.

And of course Burberry, you can never go wrong with Burberry.

And you? What is your favorite trench coat? Do you have you always stick to camel or do you like to experiment with colors? Leave a comment, I would love to hear about your personal style.

-V